Moran’s first Fine Jewelry & Timepieces and Studio Jewelry auctions of the year realized strong prices. Antique and signed jewels from the worlds leading makers once again made a splash at the auction, as did a selection of pieces from the personal collection of Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds.
A pair of Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond flower ear clips, price realized: $6,000
Moran’s was honored to offer the special collection of jewelry from actress and icon Loni Anderson. Ms. Anderson is best known for her groundbreaking role as Jennifer Marlowe on the hit series “WKRP in Cincinnati,” for which she received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Ms. Anderson has shown a passionate lifetime commitment to raising awareness for COPD with the National Lung Health Education Program, as well as The Race to Erase MS, Us Against Alzheimer’s, and the American Cancer Society. Ms. Anderson’s diamond line bracelet inspired a bidding war among floor bidders and ultimately went home with an eager collector for $12,500 (prices realized include Moran’s 25% buyer’s premium). A skeletonized pocket watch from famed maker Daniel Aubert, a gift from Ms. Anderson to Burt Reynolds on the occasion of their first anniversary, brought $6,875. A “Sophistication” necklace from famed artist Erté sold for $2,812.
An Art Deco jadeite, diamond, and onyx ring
Luxury watches and jewels from famed makers continue to woo collectors. A classic Rolex “Presidential” watch in an unusual white gold case sold for $12,500 at the block. A diamond and white gold wristwatch from Audemars Piguet was one of the more popular lots on preview before the sale. After a short bidding war, the watch was won by an eager phone bidder for $4,687. A pair of lovely flower earclips from famed jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels brought $7,500. A pair of timeless Tiffany & Co. diamond ear studs were among the most popular lots at the auction, selling for $5000.
Auction Highlights
A diamond line bracelet from the collection of Loni Anderson
Sold for $12,500
A gold skeletonized pocket watch from the collection of Loni Anderson
Sold for $6,875
A pair of Tiffany & Co. diamond stud earrings
Sold for $5,000
An Erte "Sophistication" brooch/necklace
Eclectic jewelry appealed to collectors at all price points during the auction. An unusual Art Deco carved jadeite, diamond, and onyx ring was a favorite amongst the staff prior to the auction. The ring soared above its high estimate of $1,200 to sell for $3,125. An exceptional Victorian muff chain fashioned with hand-wrought links sold for $2,000. An uncommon fancy intense yellow diamond ring stole the heart of one floor bidder who walked away with the jewel for $50,000.
A 5.01 ct. fancy intense yellow diamond ring, Price Realized: $50,000
Moran’s is heating up the summer auction season with Studio Fine Art and Studio Decorative Art auctions slated for June 23rd. Their July 21st Traditional Collector auction will feature important decorative and fine art from the worlds leading artists. A second Studio Fine Art and Studio Decorative Art is scheduled for August 25th. Art of the American West and Turn of the Century Design will close out the summer auction season on September 8th.
For upcoming highlights, online catalogues, and more information on these sales, visit Moran’s website: jm.dev.hookson1.com. Bidding is now available online via Moran’s new mobile app Moran Mobile, available on both iOS and Android operating systems. Live bidding on a desktop is available through bid.johnmoran.com; bidding is also supported by telephone, absentee, or in person.